2003 Honda Pilot: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Aug 24, 2017 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · WI

When driving between 30-50 MPH the vehicle will shudder/judder upon light acceleration and the rpms will rev briefly. This appears to be a common issue with the torque converters among early honda pilots

Filed Apr 1, 2017 · Transmission · 35,000 miles · NJ

While driving between 35-50 MPH, my 2003 honda pilot begins to shudder and rev rpms. I have to let off the throttle and then accelerate again. This happens when the speed is constant or during light acceleration.

Filed Oct 21, 2016 · Steering, Transmission · WA

I drive between 20-40mph and my honda shakes and shudders for 8 seconds then goes away. Any idea what can that be.

Filed Jun 23, 2016 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · MO

While driving on city streets in traffic and slow to 29 or 39 MPH I feel a shudder or vibration. Also intermittently my "d" light flashes when turn on my pilot but the maintenance light never comes on. This has been happening last 6 months. I have 160,000 miles

Filed Mar 5, 2016 · Acceleration, Brakes · 161,000 miles · FL · crash · 2 injuries

In the morning, on january 27, I had my 2 year old and 4 year old in the vehicle and I was driving my son to school. Less than a mile from home, going between 30-35mph, I tapped the brakes as I approached a bend in the road and after a brief initial pause (as you would expect), the car suddenly started rapidly accelerating - I started pressing the brakes to no avail - vehicle did not slow down - at this point I was in the curve and was unable to keep the vehicle on the road. I hit a small tree and continued careening out of control until I crashed in a ditch, hitting a wood hydro pole (thankfully not concrete) - both airbags deployed - I suffered a broken ankle, bruised ribs and seat belt abrasions - my 2 year old required stitches on her eye lid and eyebrow due to impact with her cup that she was holding at the time (we're lucky her sight wasn't affected). My son suffered no physical injuries but 1 month later is still talking about it. Vehicle was a complete write off. Had approximately 161,000 miles at time of incident. Cruise control was likely on but wasn't in use. Similar issue happened on 2 previous occasions. 1st at least 8 months ago and then again about 3 weeks before accident (was going to address with dealer at next oil change) but on two prior occurrences surge occurred when brakes were tapped to disengage cruise control - same pause/surge but not nearly as intense and stopped immediately when brakes were pressed again. After the accident I noted that there are several reports of the same thing happening to other people. No idea how fast it was going when it crashed but it "felt" like at least 50mph. This is terrifying when it happens, I don't want to see this happen to anyone else. I shudder to think what would have happened if this had occurred at an intersection or on the expressway - we might not be here... Also mailing letter to manufacturer.

Filed Sep 15, 2014 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · VA

Anywhere between 35-50 MPH I get a shudder that sounds like driving over a rumble strip on the freeway. The problem started out to where it sounded like a gush of air was flowing underneath the car for about 15 seconds, then progressed to a rumble strip noise. At that point, I had it looked at. Mechanic says failed torque converter and will have to replace transmission. I have 132,000 miles on the car. Haven't contacted honda as I'm the second owner and have read in many different places on the internet that honda won't acknowledge the problem. Mechanic warned that the transmission will go at any time now and the car isn't safe to drive. I've decided if the transmission is going to fail at 132,000 miles, I'm not taking the chance of putting more money into it, only to fail again (several complaints about people ending up with several transmissions installed by honda with subsequent failures). I've owned three hondas. The lack of response from honda on this issue across the board means they lost me as a customer.

Filed Aug 7, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 141,706 miles · CA

I am the original owner of a 2003 honda pilot. I am an older, cautious driver and have babied this vehicle, doing all regular service at the dealer's, so it would run in top shape for many years to come. Around six months ago I noticed at lower speeds (20-30 m.p.h.) the vehicle shudders. To counter the problem I have to accelerate and then it goes away. I have had the dealer check it three times and each time they say they cannot replicate the problem, which is hard to believe. Last week the d light started to flash. I took it into the dealer right away and they said it was a sensor. I asked if that could be making the car shudder and they said probably. I had them change it and the shudder has not gone away. This morning it was particularly heavy so I called the dealer again and they gave me the american honda number. I called them and they said the dealer should look at it. I've seen so many other people have the same complaint and I'm very concerned this is a safety issue that honda is choosing to ignore; a little like other auto companies have done over the past few years until a fatality happens. As I carry my family in this vehicle and I am particularly concerned.

Filed Jun 18, 2013 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · CA

Trans. Shuddered at 30-40 MPH. Recall #04-021 done 8/23/04 (oil jet kit installed). Didn't solve problem, which has gotten worse until now (06/13) and happens at all speeds. Very common problem with hondas of that year (2003). Car now has 125k miles, honda refuses to fix as recall, wants to replace trans. At my expense.

Filed Mar 18, 2013 · Transmission · 203,000 miles · NH

Sudden downshifting and shuddering, check engine light came on and difficulty in shifting. Engine light remained on and occasional shifting problems for a few weeks until checked by dealer - po740 and po730 needs transmission replacement and engine mount. Same problem as a 100 of others. Original owner fully dealer maintained for 10+ years, even with fairly high miles well maintained transmission should not fail. Honda dealer quoted $5500 for honda rebuilt transmission with no mention of any assistance or of the well known and frequent occurrence of this issue. A definite safety issue as simple luck this didn't occur on the highway at greater speed in high traffic I frequently drive.

Filed Aug 17, 2012 · Transmission · 89,000 miles · MO

Car "shudders" at 40-45 MPH. Honda has had transmission problems with the 2003 pilot and odyssey. When this happens the car shakes like it is falling apart. Approx. Cost to repair $4,000.00.

Filed Jul 23, 2012 · Electrical, Transmission · 144,685 miles · IN

Vehicle shudder/shake starting at 50 MPH. Advised needed new transmission. Called honda to check if recall or would be reimbursed. Told no and said wanted problem on record. Replaced transmission at own expense $3045. Drive light periodically flashes. Have not repaired as >$300.

Filed Jul 18, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 130,000 miles · IL

The pilot shudders going at slower rates of speed at pretty regular instances. My mechanic informed me that the torque converter, possibly the whole transmission needs to be replaced. I was also informed that this is a very common problem with 2003 honda pilots.